The purpose of the tracking is to help biologists figure out the numbers of the Cottontail's density, abundance and distribution throughout the District.

The Eastern Cottontail Rabbit, according to the District's Wildlife Action Plan, has been deemed a species that is of "Greatest Conservation Need," and the DDOE thinks their population is on the downfall here in the District. According to the DDOE, this special species "holds and important niche in terrestrial ecosystems by being a primary consumer and serving as prey for predators such as raccoons, fox, and birds of prey."

So, get involved, and get searching! Contact Lindsay Rohrbaugh, DDOE Fish and Wildlife Biologist, at citizen.science@dc.gov for more info.